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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
9 May - 11 May
In two weeks
16 May - 18 May
In one month
30 May - 1 Jun
In two months
27 Jun - 29 Jun

Compare 34 Hostels in Santa Elena with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Socialtel La Fortuna
Sundeck

Socialtel La Fortuna

3.0 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (198)
"We had a wonderful stay at Socialtel La Fortuna. The room was clean, practical and nicely decorated. The hotel is centrally located close to shops, restaurants. The staff was very friendly. The included breakfast was excellent with many a la carte choices. The pool and bar areas were nice spots. "
The price is AED 133
AED 150 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Socialtel La Fortuna
Socialtel Monteverde
Yoga

Socialtel Monteverde

3.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (143)
"Most comfortable bed I've had at a hotel in years! Special shout out to Olyer Otarola who provided excellent service and assistance!"
Socialtel Monteverde
Hostel La Choza Inn
City view

Hostel La Choza Inn

2.0 star property
7.8 out of 10, Good, (201)
"Good location, right in town."
The price is AED 182
AED 205 total
includes taxes & fees
7 May - 8 May
Hostel La Choza Inn
Poshtel Arenal
Outdoor pool, sun loungers

Poshtel Arenal

2.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (186)
"Great location and service!"
The price is AED 167
AED 189 total
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Poshtel Arenal
Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel
Hot springs, body treatments, mud baths, aromatherapy, body wraps

Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (15)
"Everythong was so nice. great location and clean, cozy room. loved little pool inside of yard. it was amazing experience in La Fortuna. Thanks for everything!"
The price is AED 154
AED 174 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel
Hostel SantaFe
Hiking

Hostel SantaFe

2.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (18)
"Overall a great place to stay! The showers in the room I stayed at were kind of weird and looked broken but for the price, I will take it any day. They have wonderful service and a guitar which I was able to play while I was not doing anything. I would totally recommend it. "
The price is AED 125
AED 141 total
includes taxes & fees
7 May - 8 May
Hostel SantaFe
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Family Room, Balcony, Garden View | Terrace/patio

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (79)
"The staff were reliable and efficient in helping arrange guided trips, activities, and shuttles. They spoke English and were very nice."
The price is AED 110
AED 125 total
includes taxes & fees
7 May - 8 May
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Hostel Cattleya
Junior Studio | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Hostel Cattleya

1.5 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (49)
"Loved the pool and the wildlife around, clean and comfortable rooms with AC. Hammocks are nice touch. Check in/out was simple and the staff was very kind."
The price is AED 73
AED 83 total
includes taxes & fees
6 May - 7 May
Hostel Cattleya
Asha Hostel
Fireplace

Asha Hostel

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (5)
"The reception was very nice, it felt very safe and clean"
Asha Hostel
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Terrace/patio

Hotel Sloth Backpackers

2.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (13)
"Host was real friendly and very helpful "
The price is AED 230
AED 260 total
includes taxes & fees
3 May - 4 May
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
Living area

Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (72)
"Very beautiful view and common areas"
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
coati del arenal
Hiking

coati del arenal

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"Unit is very clean, in good, newer condition. Conveniently located but hard to find as it lacks prominent signage to indicate you're at the right place; and has no "front desk" to check in at when you arrive which is problematic as its just a house in the midst of many others. There is a bar/club nearby that goes til 2:30AM each night. Pack ear plugs. The A/C worked well. Good base of operations for visiting the stites. "
coati del arenal
Arenal Sloth Hostel
Hiking

Arenal Sloth Hostel

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"Great hostel situated in a nice neighbourhood, 5 minutes walk from the centre including the supermarkets and bus terminal (the centre is frankly not as pleasant as the suburbs). Rooms have secure key codes, and lockers are situated in the communal kitchen which is large, clean and well equipped. Everything was good. Would recommend."
Arenal Sloth Hostel
Río Danta Hostel
Living area

Río Danta Hostel

1.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"Very nice hostel for a very reasonable price. I would recommend this hostel for other travelers"
The price is AED 130
AED 147 total
includes taxes & fees
3 May - 4 May
Río Danta Hostel
Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast
Front of property

Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast

2.0 star property
The price is AED 281
AED 317 total
includes taxes & fees
6 May - 7 May
Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast
Arenal Backpackers Resort
Outdoor pool

Arenal Backpackers Resort

2.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (10)
"Loved this backpackers! Super cool rooms, and the view is excellent looking straight at the Arenal volcano! Awesome pool and bar right on property and downtown is so walkable from the front of the property! "
Arenal Backpackers Resort
Hotel La Cascada - Hostel
Exterior

Hotel La Cascada - Hostel

2.0 star property
6.8 out of 10, (6)
"La proximité de beaucoup de services."
Hotel La Cascada - Hostel
Alpha Arenal - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Alpha Arenal - Hostel

1.0 star property
Alpha Arenal - Hostel
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Panoramic Cabin | Balcony

Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel

2.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (12)
"They didn't clean my room during my 3 day stay but it was a decent place to stay, and cheap in a country that is expensive, I would stay again"
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Monteverde Monkey hostel
Aerial view

Monteverde Monkey hostel

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"I have traveled in many countries and slept in numerous hostels around the world and this is one of my all time favourites. The owner is absolutely amazing and super helpful. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The location is good and the dorm room was nice and clean. I recommend this place very much!"
Monteverde Monkey hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Other property types in Santa Elena

Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines
Family Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | Terrace/patio

Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines

3.0 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (387)
"Very nice modern cabin in the woods. The facility is great. Walkable to restaurants."
The price is AED 316
AED 357 total
includes taxes & fees
15 May - 16 May
Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines
Suwa Villa Arenal
Premium bedding, minibar, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Suwa Villa Arenal

3.5 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (69)
"Amazing experience, clean and silent and with all restaurants nearby. "
The price is AED 302
AED 341 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Suwa Villa Arenal
TIPS Vacation
Exterior

TIPS Vacation

3.0 star property
TIPS Vacation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Santa Elena?
By choosing a hostel you can cut your spending on lodging and use more of your budget for going out during your stay. We’ve heard good things about this destination’s natural setting, including its gardens and forests.
What is a hostel?
No two hostels look exactly the same, but these dorm-style accommodations all have shared rooms (though many have private options too), budget-friendly prices, and a social setting.
What are the best hostels in Santa Elena?
Ready to book a hostel? These ones have the highest reviews from our guests and could be a good place to look first: Hostel Cattleya - Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and tour assistance. Rooms come with towels, showers, and bed sheets. Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a bar. Rooms come with towels, showers, and hair dryers. Hotel Sloth Backpackers - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a restaurant. You’ll find towels, showers, and bed sheets in all rooms. Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, tour assistance, and a TV in a common area. You’ll find towels, showers, and bed sheets in all rooms. Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast - You can take advantage of free WiFi and free parking, as well as a restaurant. You’ll find towels and free WiFi in all rooms.
How many hostels will I be able to find in Santa Elena?
If you’re looking for somewhere affordable to stay in Santa Elena, one of Expedia’s 9 hostels could be a great choice for you.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Santa Elena?
Good weather’s always better when you’re discovering new places, so here’s some information that might be helpful: The hottest months are usually March and February with an average temp of 81°F, while the coldest months are January and December with an average of 79°F. The rainiest months in Santa Elena are October, August, June, and September, with each month seeing an average of 19 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Santa Elena?
Overall, Santa Elena is known for its flowers, many birds, and forests. Major attractions include Arenal Volcano National Park. Get out into nature with places like Monteverde Orchid Garden, Jardín de Orquídeas, and Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde. Cultural attractions include Ecomuseo de las Minas de Abangares.
What's the best way to get to and around Santa Elena while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in Santa Elena in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the closest airport, which is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), 17.4 mi (28 km) from the city center. An alternative is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is 47.5 mi (76.5 km) away.